The Ministry of Defence has paid a moving tribute to the late Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, describing his death as a grievous blow to the nation and the loss of a true statesman.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry’s management team at a memorial and reflection night on Saturday, 9 August, Colonel Ernestina Assan lamented that the minister’s vision for Ghana had been “shattered” by his sudden passing.

“What a great shock—death laid its icy hands on you. Your plans for the country have all been shattered,” she remarked.

Colonel Assan praised Dr Boamah as the embodiment of genuine leadership—kind, humble, and perpetually smiling.

She highlighted his rare ability to make every individual feel valued and heard, noting his deep respect for civil servants in a ministry often dominated by military authority.

“His dedication to amplifying their voices was a testament to his unwavering commitment to fairness and inclusivity,” she said.

The Ministry described the late minister as compassionate, diligent, and unfailingly ready to serve, even in his final moments.

“His legacy of empathy, humility, and selfless devotion leaves an indelible mark on all who knew him. Though his passing is a profound loss, his spirit lives on in the lives he touched,” Colonel Assan added.

Dr Boamah was among eight people who perished in a military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.

The other passengers included the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Tamale Central MP, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye; and NDC Vice Chairman, Samuel Sarpong.

The crew - Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah - also lost their lives.

According to reports, the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter lost radar contact while en route to Obuasi.